Elio Secures Best Animated Feature Oscar Nomination at the 98th Oscars

Pixar’s “Elio” Soars with Academy Award Nomination

Los Angeles, CA – January 24, 2026 – Pixar’s highly anticipated animated feature, “Elio,” has secured a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 98th Academy Awards. The announcement, made Thursday, marks a important achievement for the film and its creators, capping off a accomplished awards season run. The Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood and will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu.

A Collaborative Vision Takes Flight

The film’s direction is a testament to the talent nurtured at the California Institute of the Arts. Madeline Sharafian, a 2015 CalArts Film/Video graduate, and Adrian Molina, a 2007 alumnus, helmed the project alongside Domee Shi. This nomination arrives following prior recognition, including a Best Motion Picture – Animated nomination at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards and an remarkable ten nominations at the Annie Awards, where “Elio” was again recognized for Best Animated Feature.A Critics Choice Award nomination also highlighted the film’s merit.

From Personal Roots to Pixar Success

Adrian Molina initially conceived “Elio” as a deeply personal narrative. Drawing inspiration from his childhood experiences growing up on a military base and the strong sense of community he later discovered at CalArts, Molina crafted a story exploring themes of belonging and self-finding. he later transitioned to lead work on “Coco 2,” allowing Sharafian and Shi to take the directorial reins on “Elio.”

A Legacy of Storytelling

Molina’s contributions to Pixar span nearly two decades. His work includes 2D animation on “Ratatouille,” pivotal story roles on “Toy Story 3” and “Monsters University,” and his co-direction and co-writing of the Academy Award-winning “Coco.” Sharafian’s directorial debut came with the 2020 short film “Burrow,” and she has since contributed story work to acclaimed features like “Turning Red” and “Onward.” domee Shi is celebrated for her Academy Award-winning short, “Bao.”

Competition and CalArts Influence

“elio” will compete against “KPop Demon Hunters,” directed by Maggie Kang and Chris appelhans, in the Best Animated Feature category. Notably, Kang and Appelhans visited CalArts in Fall 2025 as part of the character Animation Program’s friday Night Talk series, sharing insights into their film’s creative journey with students.

Key Facts About “Elio” and its Creators

Category	Details
Film Title	Elio
Award Nomination	Best Animated Feature,98th Academy Awards
Directors	Madeline Sharafian,Adrian Molina,Domee Shi
Supporting Accolades	Golden Globe Nomination,10 Annie Award Nominations,Critics choice Nomination

The animated film industry continues to push creative boundaries,and the success of films like “Elio” highlights the importance of fostering talent through institutions like CalArts.According to the Motion Picture Association, animated films consistently represent a significant portion of the film industry’s revenue, demonstrating their enduring popularity with audiences worldwide. MPA

What aspects of “Elio’s” story resonate most with you, and how do you envision the future of animated storytelling?

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what factors contribute to Elio being considered a strong contender for the Best Animated feature Oscar nomination?

Elio Secures Best Animated Feature Oscar Nomination at the 98th Oscars

The 98th Academy Awards have announced their nominees, and Pixar’s Elio has earned a coveted nomination for Best Animated Feature. This recognition marks a meaningful achievement for the film and solidifies Pixar’s continued dominance in the animation industry. The announcement, made earlier today, has sparked excitement among animation fans and industry professionals alike.

Understanding the Meaning of the nomination

A Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination isn’t just an accolade; it’s a powerful boost for a film’s visibility and legacy. It often translates to increased viewership,critical acclaim,and long-term cultural impact. For Elio, this nomination places it among a select group of animated films recognized for their artistic merit and storytelling prowess.

* Increased Visibility: The nomination will undoubtedly draw more attention to Elio from audiences who may have missed it during its initial release.

* Industry Recognition: It validates the hard work and creativity of the entire production team, from animators and voice actors to directors and writers.

* Potential for Awards Season Success: While a nomination is a win in itself, it positions Elio as a strong contender for the ultimate prize – the Oscar itself.

A Deep Dive into Elio’s Production & Story

Elio, directed by adrian Molina, tells the story of a young boy who accidentally becomes Earth’s ambassador to a community of aliens. The film is praised for its vibrant visuals, heartwarming narrative, and exploration of themes like self-finding and cultural understanding.

Here’s a breakdown of key aspects of the film’s creation:

1. Unique Visual Style: Elio employs a distinctive animation style, blending conventional techniques with cutting-edge technology to create a visually stunning experience.
2. Voice Cast: The film boasts a talented voice cast, including Yonas Kibreab as Elio, America Ferrera as his mother, and Eugene Levy as a key alien character.
3. Musical Score: The original score, composed by Mychael Danna, plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

The Competition: Other Nominees in the Category

Elio faces stiff competition in the Best Animated Feature category. the other nominees include:

* The Boy and the Heron (Studio Ghibli)

* Klara and the Sun

* Robot Dreams

* Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Each of these films has garnered critical acclaim and represents a diverse range of animation styles and storytelling approaches.spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is considered a frontrunner,having already won numerous awards.

Pixar’s Track Record at the Oscars

pixar Animation Studios has a remarkable history at the Academy Awards, having won 14 oscars in the Best animated Feature category – more than any other studio. This nomination for Elio continues that legacy and demonstrates Pixar’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation.

Past Pixar Wins Include:

* Toy Story (1995 – Special Achievement Award)

* finding Nemo (2003)

* The Incredibles (2004)

* Ratatouille (2007)

* Up (2009)

* Inside out (2015)

* Coco (2017)

What This Nomination Means for the future of Animation

The success of Elio and its fellow nominees highlights the growing importance and artistic merit of animated films. The category continues to attract diverse and innovative projects, showcasing the power of animation to tell compelling stories and connect with audiences of all ages. This nomination reinforces animation as a vital and respected art form within the film industry. The increasing sophistication of animation technology and storytelling techniques promises an even brighter future for the medium.

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While seemingly unrelated, the growing popularity of electric vehicles (as highlighted by ADAC e-Charge) indirectly supports the animation industry. Increased environmental awareness and a shift towards enduring technologies often correlate with a broader gratitude for creative content that explores themes of innovation and the future – themes frequently found in animated films like Elio. The ADAC e-Charge initiative, simplifying EV charging through apps like EnBW mobility+, demonstrates a commitment to technological advancement, mirroring the innovation seen in modern animation. This connection, though subtle, illustrates how advancements in one sector can influence and support others.ADAC members benefit from convenient charging solutions without monthly fees, a model that encourages adoption of new technologies.